plate no. 3189
James Fairclough, MP, Mayor of Warrington
James Charles, 1897
experienced study
Recreating this painting will help students develop skills in portraiture, including capturing likeness and rendering realistic skin tones, as well as understanding how to depict complex textures like fur and lace.
technical profile
palette complexity
4
brushwork visibility
3
value contrast
4
compositional simplicity
3
study guide
est. 25 hrsapproach — 8 steps
- step 01
Sketch the basic shapes and proportions of the figure and background.
- step 02
Establish the overall value structure with a thin wash of neutral color.
- step 03
Block in the main areas of color, focusing on accurate color relationships.
- step 04
Develop the skin tones, paying attention to subtle variations in color and value.
- step 05
Render the details of the clothing, fur, lace, and gold chain.
- step 06
Refine the background and add any remaining details.
- step 07
Add highlights and shadows to create depth and dimension.
- step 08
Make final adjustments to the composition and color balance.
color palette
primary · ivory black · raw umber · burnt sienna · titanium white
secondary · ultramarine blue · cadmium yellow · alizarin crimson
Mix skin tones using white, burnt sienna, raw umber, and small amounts of red and yellow. Achieve the gold tones by mixing yellow with burnt sienna and a touch of black for shadows.
techniques
- ·portraiture
- ·glazing
- ·scumbling
- ·color mixing
- ·rendering textures
common pitfalls
- →Getting the proportions wrong in the initial sketch.
- →Overworking the skin tones and losing the subtle variations.
- →Failing to capture the likeness of the subject.
- →Making the colors too saturated or unrealistic.
materials
surface · stretched canvas
required
- ·stretched canvas
- ·oil paints
- ·palette
- ·palette knife
- ·assorted brushes
- ·linseed oil
- ·turpentine
- ·rags
optional
- ·medium gloss
- ·retouch varnish
- ·easel
Use high-quality oil paints for best results. A medium-grit canvas will provide a good surface for blending and layering.
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